Film processing apparatus for processing films of different type

ABSTRACT

A processing apparatus having two chambers, one for properly processing a film of one type or ASA number, and the other for properly processing a film of a different ASA number or type. Each of the processing chambers is provided with a film supporting rack movable between an enabled position, in which the rack transports film, and a disabled position in which the film is not transported. Each chamber further has processing solution circulation, replenishment and temperature control systems. The film racks in the two processing chambers are coupled together such that movement of a rack in any one processing chamber to its enabled position results in movement of the rack in the other processing chamber to its disabled position. Once the threaded rack is moved to its enabled position and the processing apparatus threaded through all of its stations for properly processing a film of a predetermined type, an interlock system is actuated for (1) accepting for introduction into the processing apparatus only film of the predetermined type and rejecting all other types of film, and (2) activating recirculation, temperature control and replenishment systems for only the processing solution being used.

United States Patent Jensen 1 .Oct. 24, 1972 [541 FILM PROCESSINGAPPARATUS FOR [57] ABSTRACT PRgCESSING FILMS OF DIFFERENT A processingapparatus having two chambers, one for TY E properly processing a filmof one type or ASA [72] Inventor: Einar W. Jensen, Rochester, NY.number, and the other for properly processing a film of a different ASAnumber or type. Each of the [73] Asslgnee' gastman Kodak Companyprocessing chambers is provided with a film supportochester, N.Y.

mg rack movable between an enabled position, in [22] Filed: Aug. 6, 1970which the rack transports film, and a disabled position [211 App] No:61,59 in which the film is not transported. l-Each chamber further hasprocessing solution circulation, replenishment and temperature controlsystems. The film racks [52] US. Cl. ..95/94 R, 95/89 R, 95/905, i thetwo processing chambers are coupled together 226/110, 226/189, 118/12uch that movement of a rack in any one processing Int. Clcharnber toenabled position results in movement [58] Field of Search 89 94; of therack in the other processing chamber to its disa- 226/110, 189; 118/12,419; 134/64, 16 bled position. Once the threaded rack is moved to its68/9 175 enabled position and the processing apparatus threaded throughall of its stations for properly [56] References C'ted processing a filmof a predetermined type, an inter- UNITED STATES PATENTS lock system isactuated for (1) accepting for introduction into the processingapparatus only film of the Wetzel predetermined type and rejecting allother types of Pardee X film and activating recirculation temperatureRuSSell et a1 control and replenishment ystems for only the 3,418,91312/1968 Snarr ..95/94 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews AssistantExaminerAlan A. Mathews Att0rneyRobert W. Hampton and Steve W. Grembanprocessing solution being used.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures XI f X j f i kl IE 1 46 0 n 0 l6 1 i w I: aa: Y 1 i l 42 i i 22 l i 44 I H 1 1 1 l v I l g I I.

W D J PATENTED BT MB 3.699.869.

SHEET 2 0F 3 F LM TRANSPORT MOTOR FIG. 3

\ EINAR W. JENSEN INVENTOR.

BYflZ. WWW

ATTORNEYS FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING FILMS OF DIFFERENTTYPE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION properly process a film of apredetermined type, and an interlock system for accepting forintroduction into the processing apparatus only film of thepredetermined type, and rejecting all film of a different type, and foractivating recirculation, temperature control and replenishment systemsof only the solution being used.

2. Description of the Prior Art Photographic processing apparatus forsheet or continuous film comprising a plurality of processing stationsor chambers through which the film is transported for processing aregenerally well known in the art. In processing apparatus of this type,such as described in US. Pat. No. 2,933,032, it is known to provide twoseparate processing chambers, one containing one type of processingsolution for properly processing a film of one ASA number or type, andthe other containing a different type of processing solution forproperly processing a film of different type. With this dual processingsolution capability, the processor operator can feed the film throughthe processor to utilize either of the two processing chambers to matchthe type of film being processed with the appropriate processingsolution. A major difficulty with a processing apparatus of this type,particularly when the type of film is changed frequently, is that a filmmay be inadvertently processed in a processing chamber containingprocessing solution that will improperly process the film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention includes withinits scope aphotographic processing apparatus having two processing chambers, eachhaving a film supporting rack movable between an enabled position, inwhich the rack transports film, and a disabled position, in which thefilm is not transported. Each chamber is further provided withprocessing solution recirculation, replenishment, and temperaturecontrol systems. The film racks in the processing chambers are coupledtogether so that the enabling of the film rack in any one processingchamber automatically disables the film rack in the other processingchamber. The coupling is accomplished by a linkage comprising leversengageable with the film racks. The linkage actuates an interlock systemat a film feed station for (1 accepting for introduction into theprocessing apparatus only film that is compatable with the processingsolution in the chamber containing the enabled rack, and rejecting allnoncompatable films, and (2) insuring operation of only the properrecirculation, temperature control and solution replenishment systems.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a photographicprocessing apparatus having processing chambers containing differentsolutions, and a film supporting and transporting mechanism in eachchamber which is selectively enabled for properly processing film of aselected type.

Another object of the invention is to provide a photographic filmprocessing apparatus having selective processing chambers containingsolutions for properly processing different types of film, and aninterlock system responsive to the selected chamber for accepting forintroduction into the processing apparatus only film compatable with theprocessing solution in the selected chamber, and rejecting allnoncompatable films, and for insuring operation of only the properrecirculation, temperature control and solution replenishment systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a film processingapparatus capable of processing different types of film which is ofsimple design and construction, thoroughly reliable and efficient inoperation, and economical to manufacture.

The invention and its objects and advantages will become more apparentfrom the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presentedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION oF THE DRAWINGS In the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention presented below, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partly in schematic form of aprocessing apparatus embodying the invention and with a portion thereofsectioned to show a plurality of processing chambers;

FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 and showing afilm supporting rack mechanism;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged segmental rear elevational view of the processingapparatus of FIG. 1 showing the film transport mechanism;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged segmental view similar to FIG. 1 showing theinitially enabled film rack mechanism in a disabled condition, and thepreviously disabled film rack mechanism in an enabled condition; and

FIG. 5 is an electrical wiring diagram for the processing apparatus ofthis invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Because photographic processingdevices are well known, the preferred description will be directed inparticular to elements forming part of, or cooperating more directlywith, the present invention, processing apparatus elements notspecifically shown or described herein being understood to be selectablefrom those known in the art.

With reference to the drawings, a photographic processing apparatus 10is shown in FIG. 1 having a film feeding station 12 for receivingexposed film preferably in a container such as a cartridge 13, a wetprocessing section 14 in which the film is processed, and a film dryer16 of any suitable type. The processing apparatus 10 is particularlysuited for a continuous processing operation in which exposed film inroll or cartridge form received from customers is sensed at the feedingstation 12 by a sensing means 15 and if enabled by a film advanceenabling means 17 is fed to any suitable film splicing means 18 wherethe film is spliced to the trailing end of a leader or previously fedfilm. The spliced film is transported by any suitable means into a filmaccumulator 19 of known type from which it is continuously drawn intothe wet processing section 14.

Since the film advance enabling means 17, film splicing means 18 andfilm accumulator 19 may involve any suitable known mechanism, they aredepicted in block diagram form. Preferably, the cartridges for film ofdifferent types or the film itself may be code marked, and the codingsensed by the sensing means for sensing the typeof film in thecartridge, and in response thereto enabling the film advance enablingmeans 17 to permit feeding of the film to the film splicing means 18.The film sensing means may be any suitable type of photosensitive devicesuch as a photocell for sensing radiation reflected from or passingthrough appropriate holes or notches in the cartridge or film. The filmsensor may also be a fluidic sensor, not shown, for sensing a notch orany other form of discontinuity in the cartridge or, film. The filmadvance enabling means 17 may be any suitable means for releasing orunblocking the film so that it may be advanced to the film splicingmeans 18.

The wet processing section 14 is shown as having a pair of processingchambers designated A and B containing different processing solutionssuch as developers for selectively properly processing different filmtypes such as ASA 40 and 160, hereinafter designated film types A and Brespectively. The wet processing section 14 further has a stop bathsolution chamber 20, a fixing solution chamber 21, and a wash chamber22. Although only a single chamber is shown in FIG. 1 for certain of theprocessing functions, normally more than one is provided. Since theprocessing chambers A and B are substantially identical except for thetype of processing solution or developer contained therein, in theensuing description, similar parts located in processing chamber A and Bwill be designated by the same numerals.

As best seen in FIGS. 14, each of the processing chambers A and B has afilm rack 24 for supporting and transporting a web such as film 32through the processing apparatus 10. The rack 24 may be of the typeshown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,380,678, or any other suitabletype, and in the present application is shown as comprising side plate26 secured together by any suitable means and mounted for reciprocalmovement within the chamber by virtue of projections 27 on plates 26extending into guide ways 29. The rack 24 supports upper and lowershafts 28 upon which are mounted a plurality of rollers 30 around whichfilm 32 is threaded. As best seen in FIG. 3, the shafts 28 each have agear 34 secured thereto which is movable into engagement with acorresponding drive=worm 36 on a drive shaft 38 for driving the rollers30 by direct or tendency drive when rack 24 is lowered in the chamberinto an enabled condition in which gear 34 engages drive worm 36.Raising rack 24 to its disabled condition disengages gear 34 from driveworm 36.

A coupling mechanism 40 is provided for coupling the film racks 24 inchambers A and B for simultaneous movement of any one rack to itsenabled condition and the other rack to its disabled condition. Thiscoupling mechanism 40 comprises pivotal levers 42 mounted on ends of ashaft 44. The shaft 44 is preferably positioned intermediate chambers Aand B, and levers 42 have vertically guided push-pins 46 secured theretoengageahlc with corresponding push plates 48 secured to side plates 26of film racks 24. The racks 24 may be manually moved between theirenabled and disabled positions, and any suitable latch, not shown, maybe provided for releasably holding the racks in their enabled position.

To condition the processing apparatus 10 to process exposed film of atype A, the operator preferably initially moves the rack 24 in chamber Ato its enabled position in engagement with drive worm 36, and theprocessing apparatus and enabled rack are threaded with a leader.Movement of rack 24 to its enabled position causes an end of a rod 52carried by lever 42 to engage and move single pole, double throw pivotalswitches 53, 54 from normal positions in engagement with contacts C andF respectively into engagement with contacts -D and E as seen in FIGS. 1and 5. Switches 53, 54 are part of an interlock system and are linkedtogether for joint movement by any suitable linkage, not shown. Withreference to the wiring diagram of FIG. 5, switch 53 in position Dconnects the solution recirculation pump 56 for film type A to the powersource through a switch 61. Switch 54 connects power to apilot lightindicated that the processing apparatus is conditioned to process filmtype A. The replenishment pump 58 and temperature control system forfilm type A is connected to one side of the power source throughnormally closed contacts R-1 and R-2 respectively of deenergized relayR. When switch 61 is switched on, the recirculation pump 56 will pumpthe appropriate developer A heated by the temperature control system 60from any suitable source into chamber A. It will be appreciated by onehaving ordinary skill in the art that the replenishment pump 58 and thetemperature control system 60 serve to regulate or control theappropriate developer A'for effecting the processing of film type A.

The interlock system is further provided with verifying switches 55, 55for accepting for feeding to the film splicing means 18 only film type Aif the processing apparatus 10 has been conditioned to process film typeA, and to block or arrest the feeding of any other type of film to thefilm splicing means 18. Each of the verifying switches 55, 55 is asingle pole, double throw switch similar to switches 53 and 54, and arelinked together by any suitable means for joint movement. The switches55, 55 are manually set by the operator into engagement with contacts G,H if film type A is to be processed or in engagement with contacts I, Iif film type B is to be processed. The interlock system further hassensing switches 57, -57' which are responsive to the film sensing means15 for connecting the film advance enabling means 17 to one of thecontacts H, J depending upon which type of cartridge is placed in thefilm feeding station 12 of the processing apparatus.

Let us assume that the processing apparatus 10 has been conditioned bymovement of racks 24 into the position shown in FIG. 1 to process filmtype A and threaded with leader. Such action would close switch contacts53, D and 54, E. The operator also manually moves switches 55 and 55'into engagement with contacts G and H respectively for accepting filmtype A. The manual movement of the racks 24 and switches 55, 55 may bedone separately or jointly by any suitable coupling mechanism, notshown. Relay R is energized through the closed switch contacts 55, G and54, E closing normally open relay contact R'-1. Now, if a cartridge 13containing film type A is placed in proper position at the film feedingstation, film sensing means 15 senses the film and in response theretocloses switch 57 completing the circuit through switch contacts 55, H;55, G and 54, E. The film advance enabling mechanism 17 is enabled sothat the film type A may be fed from the cartridge to the splicing means18..

Processing of film type A may be commenced by closing start switch 62connecting power through previously closed relay contact R-1 to theprocessor film transport motor 63 for transporting the leader and filmtype A through the processing apparatus.

If a cartridge containing film type B is placed at the film feedingstation 12, switch 57 is closed by the film sensing means 15. Theelectrical circuit in series with the film advance enabling means 17 isnot completed since switch contact J is open and hence the film advanceenabling means 17 will not operate'and the feeding of film B from thecartridge to the splicing means 18 is prevented. Although film advanceenabling means 17 is disabled, the film transport motor 63 stillcontinues to operate by virtue of the continued energization of relay Rthrough closed switch contacts 55, G and 54, E. Accordingly, thecartridge is removed from the film feeding station by the operator, andduring this time the film type A continues to be fed into the processingapparatus 10 from the film accumulator 19.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference toa preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention described hereinabove.

I claim:

I. In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers forrespectively containing film processing solutions which are respectivelyadapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport meansactuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such differenttypes through film processing solution which is adapted to process thelast-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers,and (c) film processing solution regulating means activatable forcontrolling film processing solution for effecting film processing, thecombination comprising:

means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of suchselected type through film processing solution which is adapted toprocess the last-mentioned mm and which is contained in any one of saidchambers, and

means responsive to actuation of said film transport means foractivating said film processing solution regulating means to controlfilm processing solution for processing film of such selected type.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said film processingsolution regulating means has a plurality of recirculation,replenishment and temperature control systems respectively for filmprocessing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films ofdifferent types, and wherein said activating means includes:

means responsive to actuation of said film transport means foractivating said recirculation, replenishment and temperature controlsystem for film processing solution which is adapted to process film ofsuch selected type. 3. In a film processing apparatus having (a) aplurality of chambers for respectively containing film processingsolutions which are respectively adapted to process films of differenttypes, (b) film transport means actuatable for transporting film of aselected one of such different types through film processing solutionwhich is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which iscontained in any one of said chambers, (c) a film receiving station foraccepting film of such selected type for introduction into said filmprocessing apparatus and (d) film processing solution regulating meansactivatable for controlling film processing solution for effecting filmprocessing, the combination comprising:

means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of suchselected type through film processing solution which is adapted toprocess the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one ofsaid chambers; means responsive to actuation of said film transportmeans for activating said film processing solution regulating means tocontrol film processing solution for processing film of such selectedtype; and

means for only accepting film of such selected type at said filmreceiving station and rejecting films of other types.

4. The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein said film transportmeans has (a) drive means and (b) a plurality of film support meansrespectively located in said chambers and individually engageable withsaid drive means, and wherein said actuating means includes:

means for substantially simultaneously engaging one of said film supportmeans with said drive means and disengaging another of said film supportmeans from said drive means.

5. The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein said film processingapparatus further has film advance enabling means actuatable forallowing film advance from said film receiving station, wherein thecombination further comprises:

film sensing means for sensing film of such selected type at said filmreceiving station, and wherein said accepting and rejecting meansincludes:

electrical circuit means responsive to the last-mentioned film sensingfor actuating said film advance enabling means so as to allow advance offilm of such selected type from said film receiving station.

6. In a film processing apparatus having first and second chambers forrespectively containing film processing solutions which are respectivelyadapted to process films of different types, the combination comprising:

first and second film transport means respectively located in said firstand second chambers, said first film transport means being movablebetween disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabledposition for transporting film through film processing solution which iscontained in said first chamber, and said second film transport meansbeing movable between disabled and enabled positions and effective insaid enabled position for transporting film through film processingsolution which is contained in said second chamber; and

means coupling said first and second film transport means forsubstantially simultaneous movement in a manner such that movement ofone of said first and second film transport means to said enabledposition is accompanied by movement of another of said first and secondfilm transport means to said disabled position.

7. The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein said first and secondfilm transport means includes:

drive means; and

first and second film support means respectively located in said firstand second chambers and individually engageable with said drive means,and wherein said coupling means includes:

means for respectively engaging said first and second film support meanswith said drive means when said first and second film transport meansare in said enabled position.

8. The invention as recited in claim 7, wherein said first and secondfilm support means respectively includes:

first and second film roller racks separately movable into and out ofengagement with said drive means,

and wherein said coupling means further includes: pivotal lever meanshaving opposite ends respectively connected to said first and secondfilm roller 8 racks for substantially simultaneously moving one of saidfirst and second film roller racks into engagement with said drive meansand moving another of said first and second film roller racks out ofengagement with said drive means. 9. In a film processing apparatus foraccepting and processing films of first and second different types, thecombination comprising:

means for selectively effecting first and second operational modesrespectively for processing films of first and second different types;and

means (1) responsive to effecting of said first operational mode foraccepting only film of a first type for processing in said filmprocessing apparatus and (2) responsive to effecting of said secondoperational mode for accepting only film of a second type for processingin said film processing apparatus.

10. The invention as recited in claim 9, wherein said effecting meansincludes:

first and second film transport means separately actuatable forrespectively transporting films of first and second different types insaid film processing apparatus.

1. In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers forrespectively containing film processing solutions which are respectivelyadapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport meansactuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such differenttypes through film processing solution which is adapted to process thelast-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers,and (c) film processing solution regulating means activatable forcontrolling film processing solution for effecting film processing, thecombination comprising: means for actuating said film transport means totransport film of such selected type through film processing solutionwhich is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which iscontained in any one of said chambers; and means responsive to actuationof said film transport means for activating said film processingsolution regulating means to control film processing solution forprocessing film of such selected type.
 2. The invention as recited inclaim 1, wherein said film processing solution regulating means has aplurality of recirculation, replenishment and temperature controlsystems respectively for film processing solutions which arerespectively adapted to process films of different types, and whereinsaid activating means includes: means responsive to actuation of saidfilm transport means for activating said recirculation, replenishmentand temperature control system for film processing solution which isadapted to process film of such selected type.
 3. In a film processingapparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers for respectively containingfilm processing solutions which are respectively adapted to processfilms of different types, (b) film transport means actuatable fortransporting film of a selected one of such different types through filmprocessing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned filmand which is contained in any one of said chambers, (c) a film receivingstation for accepting film of such selected type for introduction intosaid film processing apparatus and (d) film processing solutionregulating means activatable for controlling film processing solutionfor effecting film processing, the combination comprising: means foractuating said film transport means to transport film of such selectedtype through film processing solution which is adapted to process thelast-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers;means responsive to actuation of said film transport means foractivating said film processing solution regulating means to controlfilm processing solution for processing film of such selected type; andmeans for only accepting film of such selected type at said filmreceiving station and rejecting films of other types.
 4. The inventionas recited in claim 3, wherein said film transport means has (a) drivemeans and (b) a plurality of film support means respectively located insaid chambers and individually engageable with said drive means, andwherein said actuating means includes: means for substantiallysimultaneously engagIng one of said film support means with said drivemeans and disengaging another of said film support means from said drivemeans.
 5. The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein said filmprocessing apparatus further has film advance enabling means actuatablefor allowing film advance from said film receiving station, wherein thecombination further comprises: film sensing means for sensing film ofsuch selected type at said film receiving station, and wherein saidaccepting and rejecting means includes: electrical circuit meansresponsive to the last-mentioned film sensing for actuating said filmadvance enabling means so as to allow advance of film of such selectedtype from said film receiving station.
 6. In a film processing apparatushaving first and second chambers for respectively containing filmprocessing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films ofdifferent types, the combination comprising: first and second filmtransport means respectively located in said first and second chambers,said first film transport means being movable between disabled andenabled positions and effective in said enabled position fortransporting film through film processing solution which is contained insaid first chamber, and said second film transport means being movablebetween disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabledposition for transporting film through film processing solution which iscontained in said second chamber; and means coupling said first andsecond film transport means for substantially simultaneous movement in amanner such that movement of one of said first and second film transportmeans to said enabled position is accompanied by movement of another ofsaid first and second film transport means to said disabled position. 7.The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein said first and second filmtransport means includes: drive means; and first and second film supportmeans respectively located in said first and second chambers andindividually engageable with said drive means, and wherein said couplingmeans includes: means for respectively engaging said first and secondfilm support means with said drive means when said first and second filmtransport means are in said enabled position.
 8. The invention asrecited in claim 7, wherein said first and second film support meansrespectively includes: first and second film roller racks separatelymovable into and out of engagement with said drive means, and whereinsaid coupling means further includes: pivotal lever means havingopposite ends respectively connected to said first and second filmroller racks for substantially simultaneously moving one of said firstand second film roller racks into engagement with said drive means andmoving another of said first and second film roller racks out ofengagement with said drive means.
 9. In a film processing apparatus foraccepting and processing films of first and second different types, thecombination comprising: means for selectively effecting first and secondoperational modes respectively for processing films of first and seconddifferent types; and means (1) responsive to effecting of said firstoperational mode for accepting only film of a first type for processingin said film processing apparatus and (2) responsive to effecting ofsaid second operational mode for accepting only film of a second typefor processing in said film processing apparatus.
 10. The invention asrecited in claim 9, wherein said effecting means includes: first andsecond film transport means separately actuatable for respectivelytransporting films of first and second different types in said filmprocessing apparatus.